Narcotics, weapons seized at airport

Dubai The airport security department seized 16 narcotic substances, five rare coins and 35 hazardous objects, including weapons, in shipments arriving at the Dubai International Airport in 2011, it was announced yesterday. More than 51 million passengers travelled through Dubai Airport in 2011 compared to 47.2 million in 2010, and the number of passengers is expected to increase this year, the department announced during an inspection by Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police. In 2011, the airport received more than 2.189 million tonnes of transit shipments compared to 2.203 million tonnes in 2010, which made it necessary for the department to follow up and inspect shipments to ensure they contain no banned substances or objects. In 2010, police seized seven narcotic substances, 11 hazardous objects and nine rare coins in shipments, which also contained other internationally banned items. Over 2,200 employees at the department underwent training in 117 courses in 2011 to upgrade their performance in airport security. Maj Gen Al Mazeina said the efforts of airport security officers in organising the flow of passengers and maintaining order and security reflect the efforts of the Dubai Police to provide the best possible services to the public and enhance the sense of partnership between police and community. He also issued instructions to organise training courses in line with international criteria and an assessment system for fieldwork to identify points of strength and weakness. These could be incorporated into training courses, he said.